Youghal Foroige Youth Centre, including youth café, Nagle House Youth Club and Garda Diversion Project, undertook their third beach clean of the year last Saturday (October 23rd 2010).

Sixteen members filled a similar amount of bags with the detritus from Green Hole and the Mall beaches across two hours from 10 a.m. Cork County Council provided the bags and picking equipment and transported the rubbish to the Youghal landfill. The centre has previously cleared rubbish from the Front Strand and Claycastle-Redbarn.

Previous excursions have produced a plethora of beer cans, bottles, butter boxes and -at the Rifle Range- discarded tents and sleeping bags! This time plastic straw and plastic drink container tops which usually accommodate them were much in evidence, as were one shopping trolley -looking like it left Pasley’s in 1978- and other segments of rusted metal. There were also a large number of white syringes collected, thankfully without needles and possibly used for insulin injections or for veterinary purposes. It is to be hoped so anyway. The group wish to thank Youghal Lifeboat station for the very welcome tea and refreshments thereafter.

Ombudsman for Children Emily Logan was the guest of honour at the official launch of Youghal Foroige’s Youth Centre and Café at Nagle House, South Abbey. The premises currently accommodate the offices of three valuable youth projects –the Youghal Youth Café, Youghal Garda Youth Diversion Project and the Youghal Community based Drugs Initiative. It is also home to a burgeoning range of youth activities and options. By Christy Parker

Ms. Logan was one several dignitaries that visited the town for the occasion.

They list of speakers who travelled to attend included Ryan Howard of South East Cork Area Development (SECAD), Detective Inspector Brian Dowling deputising for Garda Superintendent Flor Horan), Foroige Area Manager Denis O’Brien, Brendan Dempsey, Regional President of the St. Vincent de Paul, Peadar King, Chairman of the Regional Drugs Taskforce and Mairi McMahon, Vice-Chair of the national Council of Foroige.

Present from the more local community were Chairwoman of the Youghal Youth Development Committee Katrine Twomey, youth film producer Gavin Hurley, the Seaside Girls -2009 under-14’s Y Factor winners, Foroige youth participants Killian and Denise Collins, Catherine Curly, volunteer with the Hot Spot youth café and Darragh Lee, the 2009 over-14’s Y Factor winner.

Last, first and at all times in between were the excellently adept young MC’s Adaline Roddy and Bobbi Donoghue, whose eloquence and enthusiasm ensured the flow of speakers arrived and departed the stage appropriately.

The Hot Spot café was a room united in purpose as it hosted a polished ceremony that was informal and good-humoured, with the speakers delivering their thoughts briefly and sincerely.

Tour of excellence

Prior to the ceremony, guests were afforded a tour of the location and nobody could fail to be extremely impressed by what they saw. Nagle House has evolved –and continues to evolve- into a positive, enriching environment, where colour and light reassures the senses and where every one of the dozen or so rooms in use suggests involvement, inspiration and idealism. From the downstairs café, music and new sports room to the upstairs blue room with its massage seat that shares the corridor with the administration offices, a wonderful air of opportunity persists.

Against this background the various speakers addressed the gathering. It would be impossible to recount all contributions but the following points were amongst those illustrated:

Youghal Youth Development Committee

Katrine Twomey explained that the Youth Development Committee included representatives of SECAD, an Garda, Foroige, Youthreach, the Southern Regional Drugs Taskforce, Pobalscoil na Trionoide, the Community development Project and RAPID. There were many youth projects running in the town at present, she said and the committee were considering options for possible usage of the remaining half of Nagle House, in consultation with it owners, the St. Vincent de Paul, and SECAD. In difficult times, she said, “the youth centre will always have a positive environment for interaction.”

A song and an Area Manager

Following a highly accomplished performance from The Seaside Girls, accompanied by youth worker and singer/songwriter/guitarist extraordinaire Bobby Lee, Foroige Area Manager Denis O’Brien took to the podium. He reviewed the history of Foroige in the area, recalling various achievements and disappointments. He said a turning point arrived when Youghal acquired RAPID status as a town with socio-economic needs and was allocated badly needed funding.

Mr. O’Brien elaborated said the recruitment of full time youth worker Nicola Lucey followed and sparked a gradual improvement in fortunes for Youghal’s youth initiatives. A relationship with the St. Vincent de Paul evolved and culminated in the Society providing the rent-free usage of half the space in Nagle House. He thanked the Society for their invaluable contribution towards theirs and Foroige’s “common goals of social justice and human development.”

The manager observed that in recent years Youghal Foroige has won funding for a drugs project and for a Garda Diversion project, which brought an expanded youth service and three more workers. “In 2009 more than 335 young people used this premises,” he noted. “That makes everything worthwhile.” He thanked all involved, “especially the staff who work from Nagle House and who did so amidst cold and dust, during its two-year refurbishment.”

Drugs

In his first official engagement since being appointed last September, Peadar King, Chairman of the Regional Drugs Taskforce delivered high praise for the centre, citing “very good infrastructure” as essential for delivering good quality services.  He also reflected that this year will see the introduction into the Constitution a whole new plateau of children’s rights. “The actually details are really, really impressive. It’s been a very good week for children and should be celebrated,” he surmised.

Mr. King said the SRDT was contributing €37,000 of public money to the Nagle House project. In 2009, he said, 55 local young people and 40 family members were assisted and supported by drugs force workers Eric Trihy and Debby Long. He described the SRTD as working through brief intervention, applying programmes and principles to assist those struggling with reliance and addiction, “including getting them to the stage of abstinence.”

Garda

Detective Inspector Brian Dowling of Midleton Garda station spoke on the Garda Youth Diversion Project, which is being co-ordinated from Nagle House by Catherine Ryan and Kieran McCarthy. The garda said the programme “aimed to divert people away from behaviour likely to draw the attention of the local gardai” and arose from reconstructed community policing. “It aims to foster collaborative partnerships between gardai and community organisations,” he proceeded. The appointment of a community garda, such as Peter Queally in Youghal, was part of the process. The inspector remarked on a successful enterprise in 2009, which saw local gardai play soccer matches against boys involved in the project. He then made a ‘man of the match’ award for “outstanding skill” to young player Justin McCarthy who, he presented with a Munster rugby jersey. Asked for a comment, replied young McCarthy replied with un-hesitating honesty, “The gardai are brutal at soccer!”

Zombies

Gavin Curley, 14, introduced “Zombie House Hunters” a brief film project which he helped produce as part of last year’s East Cork Film Project. Gavin appreciated how the project had introduced him to camera usage “and all the different aspects of film making.” It had brought him “one step closer to being the next Steven Spielberg!” he joked (I think). The film brought a highly entertaining portrayal of the more ghoulish potential of house hunting and should be compulsory for all those equally scary estate agents.

Zombie House Hunters

Personal Experience…

Denise Collins and Killian Daly, 19 and 17 respectively, then spoke of their involvement with Foroige Youth Services since its inauguration in 2005. Denise, a member of Inch Foroige for five years, recalled being low in confidence initially.  In her second year she engaged with Youghal youth projects and subsequently became involved with the youth café, before joining the East Cork Youth Council, where she still serves. At 18 she became a youth leader, undertaking Foroige 1, 2 and 3 level training. She is presently contemplating a course in youth work. She said she “would not have discovered how much I like youth work were it not for Foroige. Its many programmes ensured I had to talk to different kinds of people,” thus increasing her confidence.

Killian -“most people call me Butterbean” – joined the Foroige Youth project in 2005 and became involved with the youth club in 2009. He was “just a bystander for the first year” but thereafter “came out of my shell.” He subsequently became a member of the youth café committee and an active member of both the East Cork Youth Council and the Garda Youth Diversion soccer group. He has particularly enjoyed the various indoor and outdoor activities that Foroige provides. His confidence nurtured, he may yet follow a path as a social worker later in life, he said.

St. Vincent de Paul

St. Vincent de Paul Regional Secretary Brendan Dempsey was “really impressed” by the current structure of Nagle House. “We used to use it as a holiday home for pensioners but it had deteriorated and would have cost about €2m to bring it the required holiday standards today,” he explained. He was “particularly delighted” with the community Garda involvement, given the high regard in which that policing initiative was held throughout the county. Recalling how Foroige had tabled an acceptable proposal for half of the building, he said, there would be “no opposition from me if you want the second half..” In conclusion, he acknowledged the role of Nano Nagle founder of the Presentation Sisters, from whom the St. Vincent de Paul acquired the building.

National Council of Foroige and Nicola Lucey

Chairwoman of the National Council of Foroige, Mairi McMahon, was a most appropriate guest having, as she described, “started out as a Presentation Sisters Novice before ending up in Foroige!” She said Foroige “believes strongly in the beauty, dignity and value of every person.” Ms. McMahon welcomed the variety of resources that enabled the Youghal centre to “provide for many kinds of activities in a welcoming atmosphere.” Within its walls, were to be found opportunities for “learning, relaxation, participation and responsibility,” she observed.

As a volunteer leader herself the chairwoman welcomed the relatively high number of volunteers who gave up at least two hours weekly to help Youghal youth projects. These included about ten youth café volunteers, volunteers overseeing music projects that catered for about 40 young people and two volunteers with the drugs project. She hoped they all derived as much satisfaction from their participation as she did from hers.

Acknowledging the contribution of all parties, Ms. McMahon particularly thanked Nicola Lucey for her “tireless” endeavours over 4 ½ years, during which “she sourced many of the grants to fund Nagle House, recruited and trained volunteers and worked diligently with young people, showing them Foroige’s purpose and philosophy.” She wished Nicola all the best on her upcoming departure and also in her life as a new mother. The applause for Nicola was deservedly earnest and resounding.

SECAD support

Ryan Howard of SECAD said his organisation was delighted to support Foroige through the years. No less important than funding and administrative support, he said, was the “need to believe” in order to develop the skills and commitment to achieve dreams. He urged all concerned to “keep the process going” and SECAD would continue to support projects to the best of its ability.

Café  volunteer

A mother of five Catherine Curley described the challenge and satisfaction of being a volunteer worker in the Hot Spot youth café. She recognised it as “a safe place for young people to hang out” but also a wonderful place for her, where genuine friendships were easily forged. She had got to understand young people better and had gained confidence through her participation.

Another song

Darragh Lee, his status and confidence raised by a highly acclaimed performance opening for Liam O’Maonlai at St. Mary’s Church recently, provided ample evidence that the 2009 Y Factor over-14 winner is likely to win many more awards should he pursue a singing career. His powerful rendition of Mick Flannery’s ‘Goodbye’ suggested an a talent arriving. He was succeeded on stage by the final speaker, Children’s Ombudsman Emily Logan. Goodbye Mick Flannery

Children’s rights

Ms Logan’s affinity for the rights and interests of children and young people was palpable throughout. The former nurse described how, prior to acquiring her position in 2004, she had to undergo an interview process in which children interviewed her for the post. That represented a principle in which she strongly believed. So also did she strongly adhere to the principle that children be afforded belief and respect as individuals. “Its not something they earn. They deserve it,” she explained. Foroige, she said, recognised that.

Echoing the theme touched upon by Mr. King, the ombudsman spoke very welcomingly on the upcoming constitutional changes on children’s rights. “It means a changed perspective,” she said. “Before, it has always been assumed that adults knew better, but adults need to hear children. We must never stop believing in them,” she continued, “and adults can then see the rewards of believing in children.” Ms Logan praised the facilities, the efforts, the commitment and the very essence of what she had seen in Nagle House, urging all involved to “be proud of what you have here.” She then stepped forward to unveil the wall plaque to declare the Youghal Foroige Youth Centre and Café officially open.

The exemplary work being conducted through Foroige at Nagle House continues with a new youth club now being added to the many projects and programmes being conducted at the venue. Nagle House Youth Club caters for 12-15 year-olds and is being co-ordinated principally by Foroige Youth leader Emer Power, assisted by fellow-leader and Community Garda, Peter Queally. Both leaders have attained Module 5 –the highest on Foroige’s youth leadership training programmes. By Christy Parker

The club meets ever Wednesday night and held its inaugural meeting three weeks ago. The young members are currently in the process of electing its officers from their ranks. “They nominated and seconded their candidates and will be electing them by secret ballot next week,” says Emer. “So three weeks in, they’ll have learned one of the basics of democracy!”

Rules:

That they have embraced that admirable concept well is further evident from the mix of ‘negotiable and non-negotiable’ rules and sanctions they have installed thus far. Much thought and debate went into the process and the resultant examples include alcohol/drug use or smoking -or evidence of having done so in the building- resulting in suspension from a subsequent meeting. Mobile phone interruptions during a meeting will also bring sanction. Failure to wash one’s own utensils in the Hot Spot café will result in on washing everyone else’s ware subsequently.

Adherence to such regulations may be essential if, as expected, membership demand exceeds availability. “We’ve had about 20 attending so far and I’d say the maximum we can cater for will be about 30,” says Peter. “And at that we may need some parents to assist. But basically, there won’t be much room for molly-coddling if someone misbehaves too much, with others wanting to replace them.”

Emer’s energy

Who can tell what terrible sins Emer Power committed in a previous life, for the girl’s role in this one would seem to entail perpetual immersion in the affairs of those high-velocity, wise-cracking, optimistic, ambitious, argumentative, indefatigable, fearless creatures known ‘the youth!’ Everyone loves them but it’s an exhausting kind of love after the first 20 minutes!

A native of Youghal, Emer is a national schoolteacher in Killeagh and previously ran the ‘Youghal Youth Club, which ended about twelve months after ago two successful years. It catered for a slightly older age group and ended primarily due, eventually, to a dearth of adult leaders.

New home

A major advantage of the new club is that, unlike its predecessor it has a permanent, purposely-constructed base. “We used to meet in Bru na Si and other places but Nagle House is now very much developed towards youth facilities,” says Emer. “It’s a safe, familiar meeting place and provides everyone with a comfort zone.”

The club has began life relatively late in the year and may or may not continue through the summer. In any case, its tenure thereafter will run from September to June. The club’s functions evolve around a three-point structure: a) formal meeting; b) projects/plans for an event/outing; c) recreation.

Yeah right…principles.

Emer charges the venture with installing confidence, while channelling a sense of responsibility and social and community awareness amongst its members, but in tandem with fun and fulfilment. So while the rules and rigours of democracy contribute an educational aspect, the laughs and freedom that are synonymous with youthful exuberance are no less paramount. The members do not lack for aspiration. “They want to go camping,” says Peter. “In Oakwood preferably!” he adds, in reference to a renowned Welsh theme park.

That may or may not transpire but Peter is insistent that the club members realise that what might come from the Youghal community goes back into it in some way too. “I want them to realise that if, for example, we run a fundraising event, that it’s the people who are giving the money. So, in return turn we may run a graveyard or beach cleaning day or something like that. Those principles are important.”

Meanwhile the general run of things will see much opening of a book of about a thousand things to do in a youth club that fills half Emer’s bag. There are ideas for warm-up games and games to serve creativity, concentration, imagination, co-operation, chair and circle games, sports games and so on. Add in the various other projects, plans, programmes, inter-club events, café times and workshops and hey, its 16th birthday time before they know it! Oh to be starting shaving again…..

Some Nagle House Youth Club guidelines:

In tandem with the club’s recruiting scheme, the following guidelines are made known: The club meets ever Wednesday from 8pm-9.30 pm.

Parents’ responsibility:

The leaders’ responsibility begins when the club starts and ends when it finishes. The members are the parents responsibility outside these times.

Please inform a leader if a your child cannot attend.

If a child is frequently absent or late, the family will be contacted.

If there are activities outside club time, parents will be given a letter and a parent permission form to complete.

If a signed parent permission form is not received for a scheduled activity/outing, the child cannot attend.

Foroige have a number of policies on:

Recruitment of volunteers; child protection guidelines, tobacco, alcohol and drugs; insurance (public/product liability cover); inter club events; organisation constitution.

Club fees: €15per member annually or €25 per family.

Voluntary club leaders: Emer Power, Peter Queally, Barry Storran, Jason Goggin and Eoin Hodnett.

Further details on: Nagle House Facebook: naglehouse.foroige.com; Tele: (024) 90793.

By Christy Parker | Photo: Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)

Mayor Olly Casey with members of the Youghal Art Group

Youghal Art Group celebrates fifteen years in existence with its 14th annual art exhibition at the Methodist Church Hall, Friar Street, this week. Up to 80 paintings across various genres, plus sculptures, will be featured.

This year’s even is dedicated to the memory of the late Anna O’Neill, of Clonard, a long-time member of the Group who has passed away following a lengthy illness. “Anna left a permanent impression on the group. Her wisdom, enthusiasm, creativity and wonderful sense of humour are irreplaceable,” says Art Group spokeswoman Marina O’Loughlin.

The Youghal Art Group meets on alternate Wednesdays at Nagle House, South Abbey. Guest speakers and outings form part of the Read more